Are handheld powered demolition hammers with bushing tools covered by Table 1? Read More Are handheld powered demolition hammers with bushing tools covered by Table 1?
If an employer is utilizing water to control dust generated by a crushing machine, and has consistent air monitoring results or objective data demonstrating that exposures are under the AL of 25 μg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA (and thus below the PEL), is the employer required to put operators in ventilated booths or remote control stations, as specified in the relevant entry on Table 1? Read More If an employer is utilizing water to control dust generated by a crushing machine, and has consistent air monitoring results or objective data demonstrating that exposures are under the AL of 25 μg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA (and thus below the PEL), is the employer required to put operators in ventilated booths or remote control stations, as specified in the relevant entry on Table 1?
Is an employer following Table 1 required to “minimize dust emissions”? What does it mean to “minimize dust emissions” in this context? Read More Is an employer following Table 1 required to “minimize dust emissions”? What does it mean to “minimize dust emissions” in this context?
For a few tasks on Table 1, respirator requirements vary based on task duration, i.e., whether the task is performed for “less than or equal to four hours/shift” or “greater than four hours/shift.” Does the employer have to track the exact amount of time that employees are performing a job throughout a shift to be in compliance with Table 1? Read More For a few tasks on Table 1, respirator requirements vary based on task duration, i.e., whether the task is performed for “less than or equal to four hours/shift” or “greater than four hours/shift.” Does the employer have to track the exact amount of time that employees are performing a job throughout a shift to be in compliance with Table 1?
What constitutes an enclosed area for purposes of compliance with Table 1? Read More What constitutes an enclosed area for purposes of compliance with Table 1?
For Table 1 tasks performed indoors or in enclosed areas, paragraph (c)(2)(i) requires a means of exhaust as needed to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust. Can an employer use a portable fan to comply with this requirement? Read More For Table 1 tasks performed indoors or in enclosed areas, paragraph (c)(2)(i) requires a means of exhaust as needed to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust. Can an employer use a portable fan to comply with this requirement?
Some entries on Table 1 require the use of a dust collection system that provides, at a minimum, the air flow recommended by the manufacturer. Does the standard require employers to conduct their own air flow assessments to ensure compliance with this requirement? Read More Some entries on Table 1 require the use of a dust collection system that provides, at a minimum, the air flow recommended by the manufacturer. Does the standard require employers to conduct their own air flow assessments to ensure compliance with this requirement?
The manufacturers’ instructions for a number of tools state that respiratory protection is required whenever employees use the tools. Does that language supersede the respiratory protection requirements on Table 1? Read More The manufacturers’ instructions for a number of tools state that respiratory protection is required whenever employees use the tools. Does that language supersede the respiratory protection requirements on Table 1?
Many of the entries on Table 1 require employers to “[o]perate and maintain” tools “in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions.” See 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1153(c)(1)(i)-(vii), (x)-(xiii), (xvi). If an employer is following Table 1, and employees are performing one of these tasks, does the silica standard require the employer to follow every element of the tool manufacturer’s instructions? Read More Many of the entries on Table 1 require employers to “[o]perate and maintain” tools “in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions.” See 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1153(c)(1)(i)-(vii), (x)-(xiii), (xvi). If an employer is following Table 1, and employees are performing one of these tasks, does the silica standard require the employer to follow every element of the tool manufacturer’s instructions?
If all of the jobs and tasks an employer performs are included on Table 1, can the employer comply with Table 1 exclusively, instead of following alternative exposure control methods? Read More If all of the jobs and tasks an employer performs are included on Table 1, can the employer comply with Table 1 exclusively, instead of following alternative exposure control methods?
